Foreigners lack understanding of a healthcare system in a new country. Foreigners living in the Netherlands, due to their limited understanding, often try to adapt to the local system but also explore options outside the country when needed. While no system is perfect, a good understanding of the system can assist in adapting to new environments and making informed decisions. Thus, this project aims to address the issue of "shallow understanding of the system in a new place by foreigners.”
The research insight emphasized the importance of grasping the system as a whole, rather than merely focusing on its individual components. This comprehensive understanding facilitates proactive utilization of available resources and a readiness to adapt to new environments by actively understanding the reasons behind the facets of the system.
Thus, I created a board game called "Beterschap." It offers an enjoyable and educational experience to the players and let them grasp the intricacies of the Dutch healthcare system.
Have you been sick in other countries? As a foreigner in another country, I found notable differences in healthcare. During a Master's course called Exploring Interaction, I researched on foreigner’s experience in Dutch healthcare system. It was timely topic during the Covid times, as different measures and healthcare system of various countries increased people's confusion.
I met six internationals of different nationalities and one general practitioner (GP) to learn about international people’s experience in Dutch healthcare and the GP’s experience with international patients.
A toolkit was developed and given as homework for upcoming interviews to the six international interviewees, which elicited their past experiences, making meaningful connections and interpretations subconsciously and triggering to bring out their future wants and needs.
The international patients' surprise and difficulties were mentioned regarding the lower dose of antibiotics, a referral system, and a less frequent body check-up in the Netherlands.
The GP said conversation with patients and international patients is her most important means to understand and help international patients. She tries to build relationships with them and explore patients’ backgrounds, expectations, and past care in their home country.
I highlighted a number of insights gathered from the research that need to be integrated into deliverables, which are,
Afterward, I set a design goal to guide international patients to the unique thoughts and ways of the Dutch healthcare approach to make them open to the system.
Several prototypes with different concepts were developed and tested. Eventually, one design concept was chosen: A design that can aid international patents in learning Dutch healthcare and approach through a board game.
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The solution called “Beterschap” is created. It is a game for internationals in the Netherlands to help them learn the Dutch healthcare system and approach. It is a simple and short game, taking about 15 minutes. The game includes ideas such as who the GP is, and why patients with mild symptoms are encouraged to rest instead of going to GP. Why is it difficult to get antibiotics here?
The rule of the game is that the player receives a number of patients daily. The player can send them to a GP or a specialist to heal, but it incurs expense, and the player should mind the capacity of GP and specialist. In addition, the more patients go to see the GP or specialist, the higher antibiotic resistance the society gets as they take antibiotics prescribed. As a solution, sending patients with mild symptoms home for rest can be a healthier way without any cost. Thus, finding the right balance in each variable is important in the game, and also in real life!
Evaluation of the final design was conducted with two pairs of players. The objective of the evaluation was to know the players’ experience, the game’s playability, and the learning effect of playing the game. The questions were asked in qualitative and quantitative form.
It was really challenging to design a fun and simple board game that captures the gist of the Dutch healthcare system, but it felt fulfilling to see players enjoying the board game.
The game was developed in a short amount of time, so user tests showed room for improvements.
